Hi!

It's Eric, and you're right; it's been a few months since I sent my last Modern Author newsletter. Why? I've been neck-deep in finishing a new nonfiction book project (called The Modern Author) and working on the follow-up books in The Pennymores novel series.

But I missed you, so I'm back and excited about what's coming.

Introducing the "Write Like a Thought Leader" series: Every week, I will share the exact template you need to write your chapters and long-form content like your favorite authors.

-- Want your book to read like Simon Sinek? I'll give you a section-by-section breakdown of how he structures his chapters, as well as ChatGPT writing prompts you can use to get editing help from your favorite GenAI tools to align with his style

-- Love Mel Robbins or Brene Brown? How about you have the exact structure they both use that you can plug your content into and align your writing to their use of stories, research, and data?

-- You're an Alex Hormozi or Gary Vaynerchuk disciple? Then we'll analyze how they structure their chapters and give you the exact outline for yours, and a prompt you can use if that's easier for you.

Trust me. I'm stoked because I spent months breaking down chapter templates for my new book and realized why not share what I've done for you. Turns out you don't need a ghostwriter... you just need the template. These will each be long, meaty, and packed with stuff you can actually use directly in your writing. No fluff, all action.

This week, we're starting with one of my absolute favorite books and authors: James Clear, author of Atomic Habits.

The "Clear Principles" Thought Leadership Writing Framework

Many thought leaders, executives, and professionals face a common challenge: how to simplify complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand, engaging, and applicable.

James Clear’s Atomic Habits provides a masterclass in doing exactly that. His "Clear Principles" framework breaks down big concepts into small, digestible principles, making it easier for readers to implement meaningful change in their lives. The real secret to his success? Turning conventional wisdom into practical, principle-based solutions that resonate.

I’ve seen this approach work firsthand with one of my authors, Navid Nazemian. He set out to write a book on leadership but realized it wasn’t a “how-to” guide—leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Instead, he focused on creating a set of principles for mastering executive transitions. His book, Mastering Executive Transitions, isn’t about a fixed roadmap but instead offers foundational principles that executives can customize to their unique situations. The result?

Navid has been recognized as a two-time CEO Today Executive Coach of the Year and has built a thriving business around his principles.

Why The "Clear Principles" Writing Framework Works

James Clear’s approach works because it:

• Simplifies complex ideas – Breaking down big concepts into easy-to-follow principles (not a 'how to').
• Creates lasting change – Teaching how small, consistent actions lead to remarkable results (you can own the framework).
• Engages with storytelling – Using relatable examples to illustrate core concepts (60-80% of the content is story-driven).

When to Use This Approach

The principles-based writing framework is ideal for:

• Types of Writing:
  • Business books and leadership guides
  • White papers and research reports
  • Thought leadership articles and blog series
  • Personal development and self-help content
• Topical Areas:
  • Leadership and career transitions
  • Productivity and personal growth
  • Organizational change and strategy
  • Health and well-being
• Best Fit for Authors/Thought Leaders:
  • Professionals with deep expertise looking to distill their knowledge into actionable frameworks
  • Executives wanting to share their career insights and strategies
  • Coaches and consultants who guide clients through transformations

This approach allows writers to present a flexible, customizable framework rather than a rigid step-by-step process, making it valuable for audiences who need to tailor concepts to their own experiences.

How to Use the Clear Principles Framework in Your Writing

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply James Clear’s "Clear Principles" Framework to your content. To align this structure to a 3,000 to 5,000-word chapter, the story sections (#2, #5, and #8) will each be between 600 and 1,000 words.

1. Hook & Quote (Introduction)

Goal: Capture attention with a powerful quote and relatable story.

• Example: “We do not rise to the level of our goals; we fall to the level of our systems.”
• Tactical Steps:
  • Start with a quote that aligns with your core principle.
  • Provide a relatable scenario to draw the reader in.
  • Set the stage for the key lesson to follow.

2. Story - Case Study (Principle Introduction)

Goal: Use a compelling story to introduce the principle in action.

• Example: “In 2003, the British Cycling team transformed their results by focusing on tiny improvements.”
• How to Identify a Good Story:
  • Look for relatable, results-driven stories.
  • Show how small changes led to big results.

3. Research & Data (Why It Works)

Goal: Provide supporting evidence to reinforce the principle.

• Example: “Studies show that improving by just 1% every day leads to exponential gains over time.”
• Tactical Steps:
  • Gather credible sources that validate your claim.
  • Use easy-to-understand data points to back up your ideas.

4. Teaching/Lesson (Principle Breakdown)

Goal: Simplify the principle into actionable steps.

• Example: “Focus on systems, not goals: Create environments that make good habits easy and bad habits difficult.”
• Tactical Steps:
  • Break down the concept into 3-5 actionable steps.
  • Use frameworks and analogies to simplify complex ideas.

5. Story - Research Integration (Real-World Application)

Goal: Show the principle applied across different areas.

• Example: “From fitness to finance, the same small habits drive long-term success.”
• How to Integrate Stories:
  • Connect your principle with various industries.
  • Provide real-world application examples.

6. Expert Insights (Validation)

Goal: Leverage thought leaders and expert quotes.

• Example: “Coaches, entrepreneurs, and scientists all agree that consistency beats intensity.”
• Tactical Steps:
  • Include expert endorsements to reinforce credibility.
  • Use testimonials and quotes to validate the framework.

7. Story - Call to Action (Building the System)

Goal: Inspire readers to take the next step.

• Example: “By implementing small daily changes, I completely transformed my productivity.”
• Crafting an Effective CTA:
  • Provide a clear next step.
  • Reinforce why starting now matters.

8. Common Pitfalls (Obstacle Identification)

Goal: Identify potential challenges and solutions.

• Example: “Most people fail because they focus too much on the outcome instead of the process.”
• Tactical Steps:
  • Highlight the most common pitfalls.
  • Offer solutions to stay on track.

9. Conclusion/Preview of What’s Inside (Takeaways & Next Steps)

Goal: Summarize the key takeaways and prepare readers for what’s next.

• Example: “In the next chapter, we’ll explore how to make good habits stick for life.”
• Tactical Steps:
  • Reinforce the key lessons.
  • Provide a teaser for the next section.

Writing Prompt for Design a Book Chapter Using the Clear Principles Framework

You'll need to create the raw content first, then get help from your favorite GenAI tool to structure it into a chapter-like format. Once you've created the raw content, copy the prompt below, and modify it, including populating your specific content:

“I am writing a nonfiction book chapter structured like James Clear’s approach—blending compelling stories, research, and actionable insights into a clear framework. Please help me develop a well-structured, engaging, and practical chapter using the following outline:

1. Introduction (Hook & Quote) – Start with an engaging hook (story, surprising fact, or relatable scenario) and, if relevant, include a powerful quote that frames the chapter’s core idea.

2. Principle Introduction (Story - Case Study) – Introduce the chapter’s central principle through a real-world story, case study, or historical example that makes the idea tangible.

3. Why It Works (Research & Data) – Use psychological, scientific, or business research to validate why this principle is effective.

4. Principle Breakdown (Teaching/Lesson) – Clearly explain the principle in simple, actionable terms, breaking it down into key components.

5. Real-World Application (Story - Research Integration) – Provide another real-world example of the principle in action, connecting it to the research.

6. Validation (Expert Insights) – Incorporate expert opinions, studies, or thought leader perspectives to reinforce the principle’s credibility.

7. Building the System (Story - Call to Action) – Offer a practical system, framework, or steps the reader can follow to apply the principle in their own life or work.

8. Obstacle Identification (Common Pitfalls) – Identify and address common mistakes or misconceptions that might prevent success with this principle.

9. Takeaways & Next Steps (Conclusion) – Summarize key takeaways, reinforce why this matters, and provide a clear next step or challenge for the reader.

Please structure my content following this outline, ensuring it is engaging, backed by research, and provides clear takeaways. I want this chapter to be between 3,000 and 5,000 words, using simple, practical language that makes the ideas easy to understand and apply. Here is my content: [Insert Your Content].”

What's Coming Next?

If you're writing long-form content in 2025, then my hope is these become a must-read for you to write your next chapter, your next white paper, your next article, or your ebook. Truth is, writing long-form content is only gotten more important, and I see more and more junk being spit out by crappy GenAI sources. If we're going to write great works, we need tools to do it, and I hope this is for you.

I've already done the analysis and breakdowns, as well as written a half dozen posts for the "Write Like a Thought Leader" series and trust me, these are what I wish I had when I wrote my first book and even my most recent ones.

Here's who I've got on tap in the next few weeks:

-- Mel Robbins (The Let Them Theory, The High Five Habit, The Five Second Rule)

-- Russell Brunson (Expert Secrets; The 3 Funnels)

-- Sally Helgesen (Rising Together, The Female Advantage, The Web of Inclusion)

-- Adam Grant (Originals, Give & Take)

-- My Thought Leadership Book Chapter Checklist

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Please reply to this email and let me know what other books and authors to break down that would help you with your thought leadership writing.

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